Fashion "no no"
Last year, Lindsay Lohan was doused with flour when she trotted the red carpet at a high-profile event overseas in a full-length fur.
PETA's sneak attack was swift and right on target!
The startled actress was humiliated and made a public spectacle of while the world watched on.
Fashion savvy gals are clued in.
Tossing on furs slaughtered off of wild (and possibly endangered) species is not stylish!
For this reason, Lindsay may want to consider donating her furs (she can still wear the faux with pride) to a wild life shelter.
Right now, there is an ongoing program to use donated furs as bedding for wild animals left orphaned or homeless for whatever reason.
"This is a creative way to help animals in need," said Danielle Bays, a Humane Society wildlife issues associate.
Wildlife rehabilitators cut the fur into an appropriate size for the animal (whether a chipmunk, raccoon, squirrel or opossum) and put it inside the animal's enclosure. The furry blanket becomes a "surrogate mother" to the orphaned or injured animal reducing stress and giving comfort.
The Humane Society of the United States Cape Wildlife Center on Cape Cod is one of many wildlife rehab centers that make good use of old furs.
"Orphaned baby animals generally do quite well when raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator," said Dr. Rachel Blackmer, DVM, director of the Cape Wildlife Center.
"At the Center, we often give orphaned baby squirrels and rabbits a small piece of a donated fur coat and they snuggle against it readily. It is very important to minimize human contact with orphaned mammals while still providing comfort and a safe environment," she said.
The HSUS accepts all fur and fur-trimmed apparel, including shearling. Fur accessories including hats, gloves, scarves and muffs are also accepted."Ideally, we wish no animals were killed for their fur," Bays said.
"Killing animals for their fur is cruel and unnecessary. Unfortunately, that doesn't change the fact that there are many fur coats and accessories languishing in closets and attics everywhere. Donating furs to wildlife rehabilitation is one way to give back to the animals," she said.
Donating is easy.
Package your fur in a sturdy box or padded envelope for small items and mail it to
Fur-Free Century
The HSUS
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC
20037.
The HSUS will send a letter thanking you for your donation.
When received, file it with your tax documents for future reference.
If you plan to itemize tax deductions, you can claim the fair market value, the amount you could sell the fur for today.
Furs valued at $5,000 or more must have a "qualified appraisal", according to the IRS.
You must have this appraisal done before sending The HSUS your donation.
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